Jan 30 2009
Raycroft Reverts to Leaf Ways, Avalanche Fall 7-4
Former Toronto Maple Leaf Andrew Raycroft looked like he was still wearing a Leafs’ jersey when he allowed a goal on the first shot he saw last night. He would allow six more before the night was over, providing a glimpse of just how bad things could have been in goal for Toronto had they not bought him out last summer. Vesa Toskala wasn’t much better, making only 16 saves on 20 shots against. Toskala remains on par with his sub-par season totals including an early 1980’s-esque 3.31 GAA and a deflated .884 SV%.
Jason Blake extended his recent hot-streak by picking up a goal and two assists to lead the way for Toronto. Blake surpassed his goal total from last season with his 16th of this campaign. Whatever you do, don’t tell Blake that this isn’t a contract year. Milan Hejduk potted two goals for Colorado in a game that went back and forth until the Leafs scored three unanswered goals in the third period. Jeff Finger returned to the Toronto lineup after missing a couple weeks with a shoulder injury. Finger scored his third goal of the season while blocking four shots and landing several nice body checks.
On Tonight:
The Ottawa Senators are looking more and more like the team that drafted Alexandre Daigle despite a victory over St. Louis last night. They’ll be in tough tonight when they face the Blue Jackets in Columbus (I know, that just doesn’t sound right). Rick Nash’s game has looked elevated since his return to the lineup just before the All-Star break, and he scored all three goals in a 3-2 victory over Detroit earlier this week.
Two teams with identical records square off in Edmonton as the Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. Edmonton is looking to bounce back (or at least show up) after taking a 10-2 boot-fucking from Buffalo in their last contest.
___________________
